Nutritive Value of Alfalfa Harvested with a Modified Flail Chopper

Jadwiga Andrzejewska,Kenneth A Albrecht,Stanisław Ignaczak

doi:10.3390/agronomy10050690

Abstract

The leaves of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) are a valuable source of protein, and the stems a source of fiber. Harvest methods are sought that would allow separation of different plant fractions for agricultural or industrial functions. A solution is proposed, consisting of collecting leaves together with upper, fine stem fragments, while leaving most of the stem standing in the field. For this purpose, a modified flail chopper (MFC), typically used for harvesting green forage, was employed. The objective of this study was to assess the forage value of alfalfa biomass harvested at various development stages using an MFC, and stem stubble remaining after harvest. Alfalfa was harvested with a sickle-bar mower or MFC in the first and second cuts at bud, early flower and late flower stages of development. Using the MFC, 60% to 74% of the potential dry matter yield of alfalfa was harvested, in which the proportion of leaves was, on average, 22% greater than the proportion of leaves in forage harvested with a mower. Crude protein concentration was, on average, 16% greater and neutral detergent fiber concentration 13% less in alfalfa harvested with the MFC than with a mower. In alfalfa harvested with the MFC at early flower, crude protein concentration and in vitro true digestibility were similar or greater than, with neutral and acid detergent fiber at a similar or lower level as in forage harvested with a mower at bud stage. The forage nutritive value of alfalfa harvested with an MFC at late flower was similar to the forage value of alfalfa cut with a mower at early flower. The chemical composition of the 20 to 50 cm tall residual stubble was affected little by plant maturity or harvest method, and the quality parameters also indicate the possibility of its forage use.

Highlights

In the European Union, and especially in the countries of Central Europe, a shortage of protein for livestock rations has been of concern for many years [1]
Plant Characteristics and Yield Affected by Harvest Method and Timing
The quantitative and qualitative effects of this harvest method that fractionates yield components were compared with alfalfa harvested in parallel with a mower

Summary

Introduction

In the European Union, and especially in the countries of Central Europe, a shortage of protein for livestock rations has been of concern for many years [1]. The relatively cool and short growing season, and increasingly frequent periods of drought, makes cultivation of home-grown seed legumes unprofitable, which results in dependence on the import of soybean meal [2]. The attributes of perennial legumes, especially alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), remain undervalued and underutilized. Of the commonly grown forage crops, alfalfa has the greatest potential for the production of feed with a high concentration and yield of protein. It is a source of digestible fiber, and is a valuable component of ruminant rations, especially for dairy cattle. The potential of alfalfa is, much greater, but innovative technological and marketing solutions are needed [2,3] to achieve this potential

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Conclusion